Wilson Seating Die(s)

[Ian]

I searched for images of the lathe to see a better photo and this came up, the first three second of the video pretty much cover it, I didn't even watch past there:

EXACTLY what I had envisioned.

 

[KeithB]

That w/a T-handle Allen wrench would seem to be the right setup.

 

[Ian]

It's perfect, I'm going to make one. Having it so a T-handle wrench can access it keeps it from interfering with the compound, and can still be accessed with the compound set to 90 degrees if a shortened, L-Allen is used. A situation such as when boring a bullet mould cavity with a profiling tool would call for both a carriage lock and the compound swung directly above the lock screw head.

I actually watched the video and he used the clamp plate from his steady-rest. I may see if I can score an extra one of those from Grizzly next time I order some things from them.

 

[KeithB]

Let me know if you need any bits and pieces I may have in my recycle bin. The manual mill is usually free, could make a T-nut pretty easily. Just send dimensions, I'm sure we can work something out.

 

[Gary]

I don't have access to a mill, but I might try drilling on the carriage in my drill press.

 

[Gary]

Got it all taken down and marked for drilling.

 

[KeithB]

Gary, if you need a T-nut of some sort just draw up what you need and I'll be glad to try to help out.

 

[Gary]

Fantastic Keith, thanks for the offer. I'll check into it this evening.

 

[Gary]

Slot is (as closely as I can measure) 35/64"; and if you look closely you'll see that the slot wasn't milled exactly straight. The nut is on a 8mm bolt.

 

[Pistolero]

Looks good. Is there no place for a single lock on the front like the larger
4003G? Seems like the center lock will be bowing down the cross slide, where
the single side is directly clamping the front way, no bending load on the
carriage between the two ways.

Bill

 

[Gary]

I don't believe there is Bill; I'm going to the hardware store in the morning to get a different bolt cause the head on the one I have is over ½" in diameter. Everything is metric on this lathe, but I'm going with a SAE bolt cause it has a smaller head.

 

[Ian]

It's not like a lot of force will be needed to lock the carriage. The ways are only about 1.5" apart and are flat on top, so there shouldn't be any significant bending force being applied to the saddle by lightly pulling it down against the ways from the middle of the span.

 

[Gary]

Ian, this mod works fantastic and you're absolutely right, doesn't take but a minimal snug on the bolt to lock down the carriage. Best mod I've done on this lathe.
Couple of pics of the mod; the first is when I just finished drilling out the carriage and checking for fit; and the second shows the carriage back on the lathe. I didn't have the bolt tightened in the second pic.

 

[Pistolero]

Looks great. Yes, your ways are much closer than I was thinking, so bending
isn't such a big deal.

Bill